Curriculum Requirements

The Animal Science major offers an opportunity to apply animal biology, physiology, biochemistry,
molecular biology and other life sciences to the study of animal breeding and genetics, growth,
lactation, nutrition, reproduction and management. Animal Science is diverse and the program
offers flexibility for students to explore both basic and applied aspects of animal biology. Topics
such as global food production and supply, ethics of animal production and management, and
animal welfare are considered throughout the curriculum.

Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in a variety of animal-related fields including:

veterinary medicine,

dairy production and management,

animal feed industry,

biomedical research,

biotechnology,

wildlife conservation,

farm management,

working with businesses and financial institutions, government agencies, private foundations and

See the "Current Courses" page for detailed course listings. Students are encouraged to complement required Animal Science courses with others from a specialized pathway to their area of interest. (See recommended pathways and courses.) Pathways illustrate how courses in Animal Science may be enhanced with coursework outside of the department.

For transfer students or students that wish to minor in Animal Science, please consult with an Animal Science advisor about your courses, interests and goals. A minimum of 15 credit hours is required for a minor and the courses need to be taken from Foundation courses (or equivalent), Animal Biology Systems, and Advanced Animal Biology courses.

In addition, all students are encouraged to take advantage of one or more opportunities for internships, a semester abroad, independent research or honors thesis research, as appropriate. For research or the Honor's Program in Research, consult with your advisor. Your advisor can help you identify possible internship opportunities and CALS has an office available to assist you. Check out: Finding an Internship, Summer Job, or Full-time Job.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:Students who transfer to Cornell from another college or university will be awarded one term of physical education credit for each full term of academic transfer credit they are granted by Cornell. Transfer students entering Cornell as sophomores or juniors are not usually required to take physical education classes for credit nor are they required to take the Swim Test. Transfer students subject to the credit requirement must take the swim test before signing up for an elective.

THE ROLE OF YOUR ADVISOR

Each student in the Animal Science major is assigned a faculty advisor. Your advisor plays several roles: guiding you through the requirements of the major and the College distribution requirements; helping you to clarify your educational and career goals; suggesting courses to help you meet your particular educational interests and career goals; and serving as a source of information about opportunities and services available to you through the College and University (e.g., study abroad, internships, career counseling, health and psychological services). If you make the effort to get to know your advisor, she or he also may serve as a reference for you for internships, jobs, or graduate school.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Ultimately, you are responsible for your education. Having the opportunity to obtain a first-rate university education is a privilege few have. You owe it to yourself and the world to make the most of it. Students are responsible for making regular progress toward meeting the curriculum requirements of their specific concentration. In addition, it helps to develop a plan of courses early in your program, especially if you would like to study abroad, participate in an exchange program or are planning on graduate or professional school.